Last Peace-Keeping Troops Depart Timor-Leste

History will be made this Friday 24 June 05 as the last 14 of Australia's peace-keeping troops depart Timor-Leste.

Officials from the Timor-Leste Government, the Australian Ambassador and the Defence Attache to Timor-Leste will be present to farewell the troops. Among those departing is Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL) Brian Cox, the Australian National Commander in Timor-Leste.

The troops will be departing aboard a United Nations flight and their departure will end the ADF's peace-keeping role in Timor-Leste. Media are invited to attend the departure and/or arrival of the Australian troops. The times and locations are as follows:

a. Departure from Dili on 24 June 05 at 07:00. There will be opportunities to interview Australian troops, Timor-Leste Government officials and LTCOL Cox the Australian National Commander; and

b. Arriving at Brisbane Airport at 18:00 (6 PM) on 24 Jun 05.